"Flexi sigmoidoscopy and polyp removal -..."

I attended the Endoscopy department initially in September and again in December having been referred in early June for specialist treatment following a failed polyp removal at a different hospital.

Unfortunately there was an issue with the referral process and it is my understanding that my referral got lost in the system, (despite my failed attempts at chasing) resulting in a long and unpleasant delay with debilitating symptoms. However, one evening I received a phonecall at 8pm from a rather wonderful consultant who spoke to me for 25 minutes, no doubt from their own home and in their own time, and everything very quickly changed. This particular consultant spoke (extremely apologetically) with such detail, compassion and kindness. I cried over the phone in both angst and relief; things were finally going to be sorted. My procedure was performed successfully one week later under their expert care whereby a 4cm tubulovillous adenoma was removed from my bowel.

Despite the initial issues, I can honestly say that I could not be happier with the treatment and care I have received from this fantastic department. From the friendly reception staff, to the happy and cheerful nurses who always seemed to be smiling, everyone made me feel calm and at ease throughout both of my visits. At 28 years old, this whole experience has been wrought with uncertainty, fear and anxiety; but your kindness and compassion as a department has made being a patient a much easier experience. As a fellow nurse, a huge heartfelt thanks to you all. I am still under surveillance and will be returning to the department for a colonoscopy in June, safe in the knowledge that I will be in the best of hands.

I feel incredibly lucky and thankful to have the continued support from the above consultant, who really has been a rock throughout this. To the consultant concerned - you are such a hero and I hope you know how much of a difference you have made to me and my life. Thank you just doesn't seem enough.